Dendritic spine

Dendritic spine is a small membranous protrusion from a neuron's dendrite that typically receives input from a single synapse of an axon. Dendritic spines serve as a storage site for synaptic strength and help transmit electrical signals to the neuron's cell body.

Structure

Dendritic spines are tiny structures, with a length of about 1-2 micrometers and a diameter of about 0.5 micrometers. They are composed of a spine head, which is connected to the dendrite shaft by a thin neuronal spine neck. The spine head contains the postsynaptic density, while the spine neck isolates the spine head from the dendrite shaft.

Function

Dendritic spines play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of the connection, or synapse, between two neurons to change in strength. This is thought to contribute to learning and memory. The volume, surface area, and shape of the spine can change over seconds to minutes, which is believed to be a fundamental process underlying synaptic plasticity.

Clinical significance

Changes in the number and structure of dendritic spines in the brain's neurons are seen in many neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, schizophrenia, and Fragile X syndrome. Therefore, understanding the processes that control the formation, maintenance, and elimination of dendritic spines may lead to potential treatments for these disorders.

See also

• Neuron
• Synapse
• Neuroplasticity